Find the common difference of the following sequence.
(A) $-9,-4,1,6,\dots$

• A. $4$
• B. $-4$
• C. $-5$
• D. $5$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the general form of an arithmetic sequence, which is given by the formula: \(a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) d\), where \(a_n\) is the nth term, \(a_1\) is the first term, \(d\) is the common difference, and \(n\) is the term number.
2. Determine the first term \(a_1\) of the sequence from the given information or problem statement.
3. Find the common difference \(d\) by subtracting the first term from the second term, i.e., \(d = a_2 - a_1\).
4. Use the formula \(a_n = a_1 + (n - 1) d\) to write an expression for the nth term of the sequence.
5. To find a specific term or sum of terms, substitute the desired value of \(n\) into the formula and simplify accordingly.